The Mars High football team encountered little resistance in its first seven wins of the season, winning those contests by an average of 36 points.

The team's closest victory was a 42-15 decision over Hampton on Oct. 20.

North Catholic, however, provided a much stiffer challenge when the teams met last Friday at J.C. Stone Field.

The Trojans led 14-10 before a 40-yard drive in the final minute earned for the Planets (8-2) a 17-14 win and the conference championship.

"North Catholic played well defensively against us, but our offense found a way to make plays at the end," said Mars coach Eric Kasperowicz. "Any time you can fight through adversity and most importanly, win, it's a good thing."

As conference champions, the Planets will begin the WPIAL playoffs at home Friday when they host Chartiers Valley with a 7 p.m. kickoff.

A 41-31 win over Ambridge last week put the Colts at 3-7 entering the playoffs. They also defeated Parkway Conference foes New Castle and Blackhawk during the season.

Rather than dwelling on Chartiers Valley's record, Kasperowicz is focused on what his team needs to do to avoid a second straight first-round playoff exit.

"The worst thing you can do is overlook a team," he said. "It's the playoffs and they have nothing to lose. Anything can happen."

The Colts pin their hopes on their ground game, specifically running back Austin Eftimiades, who has gained 900 yards and scored 14 touchdowns this season.

"He's a strong runner, can go both downhill and to the outside," said Colts head coach Aaron Fitzpatrick, who was an assistant with the team in 2020, the last time the Colts reached the postseason.

"Mars has a strong reputation and we're trying to earn one."

The Planets' best receiver, sophomore Gabe Hein, has missed the last two games with an ankle injury. Regarding his status this week, Kasperowicz said: "It doesn't look good."

But senior Aidan Alessio caught the winning toucdown pass last week from quarterback Luke Goodworth and Gabe's brother, Liam, snagged all five of Mars' completions in the recent win over Hampton.

"We have other guys who have contributed," Kasperowicz said. "Eric (Kasperowicz), Blake Yates, Jacob Maple, Ethan Kresinski. Different guys have stepped up and we need them to continue to do so."